Book Review Wednesday: The Guest by B.A Paris

 It was only a few weeks ago that I reviewed another B.A Paris book and now I'm back with my thoughts on her newest novel. "The Guest" was released in February 2024 and I had a hold for the ebook at my local library which was delivered only a month ago.

I was happy to wait though because I'm trying to be better at not buying every book I want and wait for the library to have it so this was a success. I also knew I would need an excuse to sink my teeth into something exciting, and "The Guest" achieved just that.

This was probably my favorite B.A Paris novel aside from Behind Closed Doors because I truly had no clue where it was going and it was thrilling on so many levels.

Publisher's Summary

Iris and Gabriel have just arrived home from a make-or-break holiday. But a shock awaits them. One of their closest friends, Laure, is in their house. The atmosphere quickly becomes tense as she oversteps again and again: sleeping in their bed, wearing Iris' clothes, even rearranging the furniture.

Laure has walked out on her husband―and their good friend―Pierre, over his confession of an affair and a secret child. Iris and Gabriel want to be supportive of their friends, but as Laure's mood becomes increasingly unpredictable, her presence takes its toll.

Iris and Gabriel's only respite comes in the form of a couple new to town. But with them comes their gardener, who has a checkered past.

Soon, secrets from all their pasts will unravel, some more dangerous than they could have known

My Thoughts

I loved this book! It was so intense, so twisted and kept me on my toes until the very end. I truly had no idea where it was going to go which made it even better. I love being surprised, I love when the author is smarter than me and I can't follow where they are going. 

I've read so many thrillers that it's easy for me to pick apart a plot before it's even truly set up, so I always appreciate when I can't pick up on the trails. 

Paris did an excellent job at keeping the facts of what was going on close to the chest and it was easy because we had what seemed like a reliable narrator. I could not stand Iris though; I really didn't like anyone in this story. Everyone was dealing with their own trauma and issues, which just added to the plot, but it also irritated me to no end. 

I thought Iris was silly for not voicing her feelings on Laure moving out and I thought Laure was ridiculous for overstaying her welcome. I didn't like the neighbors and Gabriel wasn't my favorite but I was also very suspicious of everyone. 

What was going on with Pierre? Was he telling the truth about his secret love child? Why wasn't he answering Gabriel? Everything and everyone was suspicious but I have to say, what happened was not what I was expecting at all. It was shocking, jaw dropping and expertly revealed. It was a slow burn but we still got our answers explained...and it was worth the wait.

I read it in just three days, and it's one of the better thrillers I've read this year. If you need something to capture your attention, The Guest by B.A Paris is it.  

xoxo
B